UFC lightweight Gray Maynard has become a fixture of the 155-pound division since his stint on season five of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Over the past half-decade, Maynard has earned a shot at UFC gold (twice), a Fight of the Year, and a loyal fan following during his tenure with the world’s premier fighting organization.

On Saturday night, Maynard squares off for the third time against fellow season five cast-mate Nate Diaz. Maynard most recently competed against T.J. Grant at UFC 160 in May, a fight in which he lost via brutal first-round TKO. The upcoming fight with Diaz is a chance for the 34-year-old to get back on the winning side of things.

Diaz, a fan-favorite in his own right, is also looking to quell detractors after losing via TKO to Josh Thomson in April of this year.

In this exclusive interview with MMAWeekly.com’s Ryan McKinnell, Maynard talks about all things TUF, his looming showdown with Diaz, and how choosing your sponsors can be a matter of personal accountability.